Magic of the DolomitesEscorted Tour, Italy

Venture into the heart of the Dolomites, surrounded by incredible landscapes of sweeping valleys and pointed mountain tips. Here, the festive spirit is fuelled by the scent of spiced culinary delights and some of Italy’s largest and most elaborate Christmas markets. Myths, legends and deep-rooted medieval traditions come to life as you journey through historic towns dotted among alpine peaks. We weave through picturesque towns and 13th century castles, enjoying festive traditions, tempting treats and Italian hospitality as warm as the mulled wine.

INCLUDES

5 nights in hotel (accommodation as specified or similar)

11 meals: 5 breakfasts (days 2-6) 1 lunch (day 3) 5 dinners (days 1-5)

4 included excursions and visits

Excursion to Bolzano

Ski chairlift ride to Baranci

Excursion to Cortina

Excursion to Brunico and Bressanon

Plus all these benefits

VIP door-to-door travel service

Services of a tour manager

International flights (prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow. Supplements may apply from other airports

Best available coaches with experienced drivers

Porterage

All airport taxes, duties and surcharges

ITINERARY

Day 1 UK - Venice - Dobbiaco

VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Venice. On arrival you’ll make your way to Dobbiaco, located close to the border of Italy and Austria and the Hotel Laurin (3T). Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 2 Christmas Eve - Bolzano

You’ll travel to Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, for a stroll around its charming historic centre and the famous Christmas markets. Bolzano’s unique atmosphere and hospitality is centred around the lively streets and squares which lend themselves perfectly to hosting Italy’s largest Christmas market. You’ll have free time to take lunch and meander amongst wooden market stalls to the sound of barrel organs, or you have time to visit Ötzi - one of the world’s best-known human finds from the ice age - at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. For dinner this evening you’ll take the coach to a local mountain Chalet. If you wish to attend a midnight mass service, you can do so at a local church of your choice.

Day 3 Christmas Day - Baranci

After a leisurely festive morning at the hotel, you’ll enjoy a journey by ski chairlift up to Mount Baranci, a popular ski resort where you’ll be greeted with a warming glass of mulled wine and refreshments, as well as a delicious lunch. The Monte Baranci is part of the Dolomiti di Sesto and is served by the world’s largest ski carousel, Dolomiti Superski. Enjoy the sights before you return to your hotel, where you’ll have a five-course Christmas dinner to look forward to this evening, including wine, spumante and panettone.

Day 4 Boxing Day - Cortina d’Ampezzo

You have a full-day excursion to Cortina d’Ampezzo, considered Italy’s premier mountain resort. On your visit you’ll stroll around its undeniably beautiful historic centre with vine-clad buildings framed by the magnificent Alps. Cortina is queen of the Italian lifestyle, culture and gastronomy and you might choose to spend your free time as many Italian visitors do - perusing the boutiques and the wooden huts of the small Christmas market decked with handmade goods, or by taking a cable car ride up to the Monte Cristallo, one of the tallest mountains in the Dolomites. In the afternoon, you return to your hotel where you’ll have dinner.

Day 5 Brunico and Bressanone

Today you’ll have a full-day excursion starting in Brunico, the main town in the Puster Valley. Located in the middle of a wide basin between the Dolomites and the lofty summits of the central Alpine crest, this picturesque town has also been protected by the elegant episcopal Brunico Castle since the 13th century. In the town square, the Christmas market is scented with the spice of culinary delights that fuel the festive spirit. Enjoy free time here before you continue to Bressanone, the oldest town in the Tyrol. The history of this small holiday town can be read from the façades and art, hidden in the archways. Around the splendid baroque cathedral, encircled by other, centuries-old buildings, you can find a Christmas market filled with hand-carved nativity scenes, candles and local specialities. You’ll return to your hotel in the afternoon to prepare for dinner this evening.

Day 6 Dobbiaco - Venice - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Magic of the Dolomites is located in Escorted Tour, Italy. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 25/10/2018